Research on nerve cells and the circuits they form. Covers neural mapping, brain development, the striatum, and single-neuron recording.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that HIV-infected cells activate specific immune cells in the brain, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death. This discovery may help develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Researchers found that transplanting B10 human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the bladder wall of mice with spinal cord injury improved bladder function by promoting the growth of smooth muscle cells. This study provides potential evidence for MSC-based cell transplantation as a novel therapeutic strategy for bladder d...
Researchers found that neurons in human skin can process geometric data about touched objects, performing calculations similar to those done by brain neurons. This allows the skin to send more detailed information to the brain before further processing.
Researchers have identified a process that explains how diverse neurons are generated in the fruit fly's visual system, involving temporal patterning and cell survival.
Scientists found that brain activity patterns are shaped by neural connectivity and have limitations on how adaptable they are during learning. The study used a brain-computer interface to train animals and showed that subjects learned easier-to-learn patterns more readily, while harder-to-learn patterns were entirely new.
Researchers found that brain activity patterns can be combined in new ways to learn a skill more easily, but there are limits to cognitive flexibility. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for stroke and other brain injuries.
Scientists have obtained an atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor, a massive multi-subunit complex that integrates chemical and electrical signals in the brain. The structure reveals how the receptor is regulated and offers new insight into its function, which is tightly controlled and associated with neurological diseases.
Casey Diekman is leading a research effort to understand the biological clock's role in regulating daily behavior patterns. Preliminary results suggest that circadian rhythms are deeply encoded in neuronal electrical programming, influencing hormone production and other physiological indicators.
Researchers found retinal thinning as an early marker for frontotemporal dementia, prior to cognitive symptoms. The retina acts as a 'window to the brain,' and studying it can track changes in neurons.
A new study reveals that neurons in the brain's inferotemporal cortex fire strongly and selectively when exposed to familiar images, especially those seen many times before. This finding suggests that the brain uses this mechanism to track a rapidly changing visual environment and may lead to improvements in perception and cognition.
A new review paper explores the use of dimensionality reduction in neuroscience to uncover the complexity of brain function. By analyzing the activity of hundreds of neurons concurrently, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how the brain distinguishes between different odors, makes decisions under uncertainty, and thinks abo...
Researchers identified a key clue to treating absence seizures by deleting the T-type calcium channel CaV3.3 in mice, which suppressed burst firing and increased tonic firing. This study challenges existing hypotheses and provides a foundation for developing effective treatment methods.
Researchers found that green tea polyphenols effectively protect spinal cord neurons against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research revealed that green tea polyphenols inhibit neuronal apoptosis, indicating a protective role in spinal cord neurons under oxidative stress.
Researchers have developed a new method to create patient-specific neural crest cells from skin cells, which can help study and potentially treat rare disorders. The technique accelerates the creation of these cells, allowing for more accurate predictions of disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Scientists have developed a genetically engineered mouse line that allows them to study calcium levels in living brain cells, enabling new research on epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other neurological diseases. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for new treatments and a deeper understanding of the immune system's role in brain function.
A study found that elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease have fewer inhibitory neurons, leading to fragmented sleep. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of remaining ventrolateral preoptic neurons and sleep fragmentation, highlighting a potential link between aging and sleep disorders.
Researchers found that HSP72 protects retinal ganglion cells and lateral geniculate body in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension from injury by blocking the activation of the stress-activated kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase apoptotic pathway. Zinc sulfate inhibited HSP72 expression, while quercetin induced its expression.
Research finds that peripheral nerve injury increases the expression of α1-adrenoceptors on pain-signalling nerve fibers. This up-regulation may intensify pain by boosting neural excitability. Blocking alpha-1 adrenoceptors could be a useful therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic pain after peripheral nerve injury.
Research highlights the importance of glial cells in CNS regeneration. Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons, but also influence the survival and fates of transplanted neural stem cells. Regulating their behavior can create a permissive microenvironment for neuronal regeneration.
Researchers have found that blood cells in crayfish can differentiate into neurons, challenging our understanding of neural development and regeneration. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of neurological diseases such as clinical depression and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a method for analyzing hundreds of cells individually using microfluidic technology, which reveals novel molecular features in diverse cell types. This approach holds promise for understanding how the human cortex arises from cells spun off from stem cells.
Researchers have found that adult myelination is crucial for regulating neural networks and supporting functions such as learning and memory. The study, published in Neural Regeneration Research, highlights the importance of myelin plasticity in coordinating with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.
Researchers identify mechanism explaining Zipf's law, a pattern found in complex systems. The study uses neural data from blowflies to demonstrate how the law arises when units respond to a hidden variable.
Researchers at Harvard University have found that mice can distinguish between specific odors even when surrounded by multiple background smells. The team used fluorescent proteins to create images of how different scents activated neurons in the brain, revealing a neural explanation for how animals separate relevant from irrelevant se...
A new study by Yale researchers found that blocking the effects of PPARgamma in brain cells can prevent weight gain and resistance to high-fat diets. This discovery has key implications for treating type 2 diabetes, where weight gain is a common side effect of medication.
Researchers found that PPARγ activity in pro-opiomelanocortin neurons is crucial for whole-body energy balance and glucose metabolism. Mice lacking PPARγ in these neurons gained less weight and had improved glucose levels when fed a high-fat diet.
A study published in Ear and Hearing reveals that prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent damage of the hair cells in the ear. This damage affects the brain's recognition of speech sounds, potentially increasing difficulty in distinguishing them. The researchers used rats to simulate two types of noise trauma and found t...
Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique that allows for real-time visualization of brain sound processing in mice. This breakthrough enables the study of complex neural interactions and may lead to better treatments for hearing loss.
A team of scientists at the University of California, San Diego, has developed synthetic glycopolymers that mimic natural sugars on cell surfaces. These molecules successfully guided embryonic stem cells into neural rosettes, precursors to mature neural cells.
A study by Yale researchers has identified a crucial role for prolyl endopeptidase enzyme in regulating glucose sensing in the brain. The findings suggest that this enzyme plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels, and could eventually lead to new treatments for diabetes.
Astrocytes play a vital role in controlling gamma oscillations, which are essential for higher-level brain function and memory. The study found that disabling astrocytes disrupts gamma waves and impairs novel object recognition memory.
Researchers have identified two mutations in the CC2D1A gene that prevent its expression, leading to intellectual disability, autism, and seizures. The gene regulates a critical signaling pathway controlling neuronal balance.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that pre-treatment with the anti-aging protein Klotho can prevent neuron death in the presence of toxic amyloid and glutamate. This finding suggests a potential treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease, which affects millions of Americans.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which tiny gold particles can fuse with cell membranes without damaging cells. This discovery suggests possible strategies for designing nanoparticles that could get into cells more easily.
Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.
Macrophages play a crucial role in regulating intestinal movements, and their interaction with the nervous system is adaptable to changes in the bacterial environment. The discovery may lead to new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Scientists identify astroglial cells as crucial players in Down syndrome's abnormal neuron development and find that an inexpensive antibiotic can correct many abnormalities. They also show that minocycline, a commonly used tetracycline antibiotic, promotes healthy interactions between astroglia and neurons.
Researchers found that intranasal administration of nerve growth factor increases its content and receptor in spinal cord neurons, improving locomotor behaviors after spinal cord injury. This study provides evidence for the use of intranasal nerve growth factor as a treatment for spinal cord repair.
Researchers found that citalopram increases the efficiency of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) differentiating into neuronal-like cells. This improvement in cellular differentiation is associated with increased cell proliferation and survival while maintaining neuronal characteristics.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a chemical switch controlling neuron generation and survival in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and stroke victims. This switch, MEF2, may be a potential therapeutic target to protect against neuronal loss in various neurodegenerative diseases.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that a gene deletion linked to schizophrenia alters brain cell skeletons, disrupting layer formation. Researchers also identify a crucial protein involved in building cellular skeletons, which may contribute to the condition.
A study found that exposure to BPS causes hyperactive behavior and alters brain development in zebrafish, similar effects observed with BPA. The research suggests that BPS may lead to altered brain connections and explain the hyperactivity seen in another experiment.
The discovery of the Snf2h gene's role in cerebellum development highlights its importance in balance, fine motor control, and complex physical movements. Without this gene, the cerebellum becomes smaller, leading to compromised balance and refined movements.
Researchers tracked neural activity to discover covert changes of mind in monkeys and humans, finding they're more frequent in uncertain conditions. The study offers new insights into decision-making processes and innovative ways to study this complex behavior.
Researchers have discovered that simultaneous transplantation of neural and vascular progenitor cells reduces brain damage and improves behavioral recovery after ischemic stroke. The study suggests that cotransplantation of these two cell types is more effective than single-cell therapy in promoting recovery.
Researchers discover that retinal ganglion cells pass on worn-out mitochondria to astrocytes for disposal at the optic nerve head. This process challenges the common understanding of cellular trash management and has implications for diseases like glaucoma, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
A new study reveals that astrocytes can monitor and respond to nearby neural activity, but only when primed by the fight-or-flight chemical norepinephrine. This ability suggests that astrocytes may help control the brain's ability to focus.
A neuroscientist proposes a novel explanation for habituation, which allows the brain to filter out insignificant environmental stimuli. The 'negative-image model' explains how repeated activation of neurons leads to increased inhibition, altering responses in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that an almost century-old drug approved for treating sleeping sickness also restores normal cellular signaling in a mouse model of autism, reversing symptoms of the neurological disorder in animals.
A new study reveals that parasympathetic neurons originate from immature glial cells in mouse embryos, forming a previously unknown developmental pathway. This discovery may lead to new medical treatments for congenital disorders of the nervous system.
A study published in Science Signaling reveals that calcium channels in resting neurons activate the breakdown of Sp4, a transcription factor regulating gene expression. The research suggests that misregulation of Sp4 may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
Researchers confirm the role of Phox2b-expressing neurons in detecting and modulating CO2 levels. The study reveals a small region of the brain maintains homeostasis by detecting adequate CO2 levels, which may help prevent sudden death cases.
Researchers have discovered a key gene mutation responsible for impaired mental function in children with intellectual disabilities. TUBB5 is essential for healthy brain development, and mutations can cause problems with normal fetal brain development.
Scientists are exploring the potential of adult stem cells from bone marrow to treat brain damage by manipulating neural markers. The research, published in Developmental Biology, aims to develop a way to introduce stem cells into the brain and modify them to repair damaged brain cells.
Researchers have localized stress-activated hormone receptors in oral taste cells responsible for detection of sweet, umami, and bitter. The findings suggest that stress hormones may directly affect how these cells respond to sugars and certain other taste stimuli.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine discovered that leptin affects not only brain cells called neurons but also other types of cells involved in appetite regulation. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have obtained an unprecedented view of a type of brain-cell receptor implicated in neurological illnesses. The team's atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor should serve as a template and guide for the design of therapeutic compounds.
Pericytes, a type of stem cell found in the brain, play a key role in brain repair after a stroke by migrating to damaged areas and converting into microglia cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for targeting pericytes as a potential treatment for stroke treatment.
A team of researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified the group of neurons in the brain that determines how a mouse responds to stress, whether with resilience or defeat. The study's findings may lead to improved treatments for depression.
Researchers discovered that neurons can mobilize calcium from large dense core vesicles to facilitate the release of neuropeptides. This process enables fine-tuning of communication between neurons and other cells.